Understand variable frequency screw air compressor VSD compressor

VSD (variable speed drive) compressor

Variable-speed drives, often referred to simply as VSD, are the hallmark of compressed air. Air compressors equipped with VSD can automatically adjust their operating speed to match compressed air demand in real time. This is especially important in terms of energy saving, considering that the aspect of the compressor's total cost of ownership is the electricity it consumes, not the purchase price of the air compressor itself! On average, VSD technology can reduce these energy costs by 35 to 50 percent, depending on the size and type of application. Turn that percentage into expenses, and you can save a lot of money.

What is the difference between power frequency compressor and frequency conversion compressor?

Let's first understand some differences between power frequency and variable frequency compressors. Constant speed compressors are usually simple machines with lower upfront costs. You turn on the compressor and let it run at full speed until you need to shut it down. It's not a complicated concept. Variable frequency compressors, on the other hand, are not built to run continuously at full speed. They do more than just run and stop. Instead, they match output to demand, making them more sophisticated than fixed-speed compressors. That means the initial investment for these machines could increase significantly.

When should variable frequency compressors be considered?

Although frequency conversion technology sounds ideal for any business, it is not always the right solution! Variable frequency compressor is the ideal choice for enterprises with fluctuating demand; Facilities that run different processes can be considered. Specific situations where a variable frequency compressor may be required include:

> Compressed air requirements vary significantly from job to job

> Demand fluctuates by shift, weekdays (i.e. weekends) or seasonally; Or production requires tight pressure zones.

If your process is running consistently and does not experience fluctuations in demand, or if these variations are minor, then using a power-frequency compressor may be an appropriate choice.

You can also consider a solution that combines power-frequency compressors with variable frequency compressors, with power-frequency compressors providing base loads and one (or more) variable frequency compressors "fine-tuning" to meet changes in demand.

What are the benefits of variable frequency compressors?

Although variable frequency compressors have high initial investment costs, they pay for the increased investment by saving energy. The greater the change in demand, the greater the potential savings.

> The working pressure range of variable frequency compressor is much narrower than that of power frequency compressor. They operate at lower delivery pressures while still maintaining the minimum operating pressure required by the air system. They also provide a more consistent discharge pressure for all compressed air applications throughout the facility.

> The net pressure of the variable frequency compressor can be set to be lower than the no-load pressure of the power frequency compressor.

Variable frequency compressors can be started/stopped at full system pressure. No need to unload, saving time and effort. There are no idle time losses and no emissions losses that occur during normal operation.

Source: air compressor network